Metal tubing, which comes in many shapes and sizes, is used in a variety of applications and industries, such as plumbing and automotive exhaust tubing systems. Metal is an ideal choice for tubing because of its durability. Therefore, it’s used in anything from insulated supply and return lines to plumbing pipes and fittings. Following are some frequently asked questions about metal tubing:

What Kinds of Products Do You Offer?Companies in this business make all kinds of metal tubing, although some focus on one particular kind, like stainless steel insulated supply and return lines, which involve flexible metal tubes ideal for residential hot water systems. They may sell products like corrugated tubing and self-flaring fittings, which are great for energy conservation purposes. Metal tubing companies may also sell aluminum tubing and piping in all shapes, such as square, rectangle and round, as well as aluminum sheets, channels, plates, tread bars and angles.

Do You Make Pipe Fittings?This is a common service offering. They’re sized to fit certain tubes and pipes, and may range from socket welds and solder joints to threaded and stainless steel fittings. Commonly used to join two longer pieces of tubing or pipes, fittings are an integral component of many applications. Some specialize in one type, such as hydraulic fittings, which are necessary in hydraulic valves, tools and pumps.

Can You Make Metal Tubing Specific to my Needs?Many manufacturers of metal tubing are happy to custom make anything from I-beams and structural tubing to wide flange beams and pipe pilings according to your specifications. They may also be able to create custom made stainless and copper tubing coils using blueprints and design work for metal coated steel coil, hot rolled sheet metal coil and prepainted steel coil.

Metal tubing companies will often keep large stock to sell, sometimes at a discounted price. Using raw materials, tubing metal can include antennas, benders, pre-bent items, flexible metal, plastic caps, fittings, metal joinings, drill pipes, press metal parts, heat exchangers, square and rectangular tubing, coiled tubing, pumping parts, cold-rolled steel, and metal finish. When industrial companies need to replenish their stock, they often turn to manufacturers of tubing metal for their needs. Metal retailers and distributors sell all types of tubing metal to contractors and industrial companies for use in industries such as automotive, construction, fabrication, and engineering. Types of metal can include steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, alloys, brass, nickel, iron, silver, and galvanized steel. Some wholesalers focus on one type of tubing metal, such as brass products or stainless steel antennas, while others specialize in a variety of products, such as for the retail industry or automotive industry. Target your search for suppliers that offer exactly what you need for your business. Consider what type of metal you need for the job, such as iron, aluminum, silver, brass, or stainless steel, and come up with a budget. Go online to research what tubing suppliers offer, typical prices, reviews, photos, new and used materials, and listings of companies near you. You can find tubing metal manufacturers in online directories by entering your zip code or town, or simply look in your local phone book for a company near you that specializes in what you need. Be sure to consult a few different companies and get cost estimates and other information before committing, such as styles and designs. Get references from others in the business as to which companies they use and trust for their tubing metal needs.